I'm Sioux Roslawski and this is my blog about writing, dogs, grown-up children, menopause, the joy of a marvelous book, classroom teaching in general, and specifically, the teaching of writing. You can email me at sroslawski(at)yahoo(dot)com.

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Thursday, February 9, 2012

A Dog's Life

This is Foley. He is like some women like their men: blonde, fast and not-too-bright.

Twice a day--every day, he eats the same thing, and gobbles it with relish (and mustard and ketchup, too). When he comes in from outside, he's always hopeful that he'll get a treat. When he's "relaxing" on the couch, he's lovin' it. When he's hurtling after the ball like a bullet, he's focused on only that...

As a writer, I need to be optimistic that I'll get an acceptance, each time I submit a piece. I need to relish the time I read, or chat with friends but when I'm writing, I need to zero in on that and put my blinders on, to keep everything else at bay.

What lessons have you learned from your dog or cat (or iguana, or guinea pig)?

Oh Foley is a cutie little stinker. Stinker is my nickname for all cutie animals... well humans too. My cat keeps me focused on keeping organized (ha) because he likes to eat/tear up paper, I have to keep all my writing secure. Just yesterday he tore off the corner of a card that was getting ready to be mailed. Errrr... and all because I wasn't giving him attention... so I guess we have to find a balance with everything.

My witty come-backs fail me today. Could be because a dog keeps draping herself across my chest and blocking my view of the computer ....... Persistance, perhaps. She wants my undivided attention and will not stop until she gets it!

What a handsome boy! Foley looks so regal. I learn ooh-gobs of stuff from my pets every day. My dogs are waggy-tails, their backsides in perpetual motion, unless they're asleep. They are full of fun and optimism. Every moment is joyful. My cats remind me to be curious and bold, and that there is great joy to be had in snuggling into a warm, sunny spot for an afternoon nap. :)